The following article and images were taken from the Diocese of Brentwood website.

On Saturday 4 July 2026 Bishop Alan Williams ordained Deacon Andrei Ilies to the priesthood in Brentwood Cathedral. Deacon Andrei, who is originally from Romania, studied at the Beda College in Rome.

He was a nurse for 15 years before his studies for the priesthood. Deacon Andrei was on pastoral placement last summer in the Cathedral Parish.

Many friends and relatives of Andrei from Romania, together with colleagues from the Pontifical Beda College, Rome, joined a large congregation which included many priests.

The Cathedral Choir directed by Andrew Wright provided the excellent music for this holy occasion.

Please join us as we pray for Fr Andrei as he begins this new chapter in his ministry, where he will be moving to be an assistant priest.